Unlocking a Greener Future: ₹2,144 Crore Allocated for Environment, Forest, and Climate Initiatives in the 2025-2026 National Budget

DHAKA, June 2, 2025 (BSS) – Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed a budget of Taka 2,144 crore for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This amount is Taka 821 crore more than what was allocated in the revised budget for the previous year.

Out of the proposed budget, Taka 764 crore is designated for operational costs, while Taka 1,380 crore will go towards development projects.

During his speech, Dr. Salehuddin highlighted Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. He emphasized the need for active measures to tackle environmental issues like air and water pollution, waste management, and ecosystem preservation. He mentioned the ongoing activities of the Climate Change Trust Fund aimed at enhancing women’s resilience and assessing coastal ecosystems.

To better monitor climate initiatives, a digital tracking system for all approved projects under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust is in the works and is set to launch by December 2025. Dr. Salehuddin also proposed an additional Taka 100 crore for urgent climate action steps.

Efforts to manage plastic waste are underway too. A Multisectoral Action Plan aims to curb the production of single-use plastics, with 17 categories identified for control under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2021. The government has also put forth policies to encourage tree planting and wildlife conservation.

With only 15.58% of its land covered in forest, Bangladesh faces a significant challenge. Recently, 1,303 acres of forest land have been reclaimed with ongoing afforestation initiatives. These steps are crucial as deforestation has been linked to a host of environmental issues, including increased flooding and decreased biodiversity.

Expert opinions reinforce the importance of these initiatives. Environmental scientists argue that proactive measures can significantly mitigate risks associated with climate change. Recent studies show that investing in green projects not only benefits the environment but also boosts local economies by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices. Social media trends reflect a growing public interest in environmental issues, with many citizens advocating for stronger policies and practices.

As Bangladesh navigates these pressing challenges, the proposed budget shows promise for a greener, more sustainable future.

Source link

Most Popular English News, Bangladeshi Newspaper,